Paralegals are individuals who assist lawyers in the delivery of legal services. According to the National Federation of Paralegal Association, a policy is being put in place to see to it that all paralegals should have a bachelor’s degree if they are to be registered as certified paralegals. Some of the top universities and colleges that offer these programs are Keiser College, Kaplan University, Colorado Technical University Online, Everest University, and Hodges University.
These degree programs are:
Associate degree programs that are offered by 2-year community colleges, some business schools, some of the four-year colleges and universities. The curriculum consists of half paralegal courses and the other half in general education and other related areas. The online associate degree program is offered by a number of colleges and universities and is particularly famous for the flexibility it accords the students. Unlike in the conventional mode of study, the online programs allow the student to study while at the same time having a chance to work. The exams are only administered when the student is confident he / she is adequately prepared. The course instills skills in students that enables them prepare and analyze legal forms that are used in litigation of law suits, closing estate transactions, prosecuting crimes and drafting documents needed in separation, divorce and custody proceedings. The programs here are Associate of Applied Science (AAS) – Paralegal, Associate of Science (AS) in Paralegal Studies,
Bachelor’s degree program in Paralegal education is usually offered by 4-year colleges and universities. The students have the option of doing it as a major, minor or concentration within a major. The online undergraduate program allows students and their instructors to communicate via emails and online forums where the students also get career advice from the professionals. The program comprises of Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Paralegal Studies.
Master’s degree programs in paralegal studies are offered by very few colleges and universities. Most of these are the same ones that offer undergraduate programs for paralegals. Students in this program are usually professionals who want to advance their careers or who are undertaking research on various legal issues.